MaxPreps 2016-17 Arizona preseason high school boys basketball Fab 5, presented by the Army National Guard

Video: Saben Lee's highlights vs. Gilbert High School
See the Corona del Sol star in action.


1. Corona del Sol (Tempe)
2015-16 record: 15-9
Head coach: Neil MacDonald

Alex Barcello, who is committed to Arizona, is finally a senior and he plans on leaving with a third state title after missing out as a junior. He will have plenty help with Vanderbilt commit Saben Lee as the two guards will take one more run at winning it all, this time in the newly formed 6A conference.

See the Arizona boys basketball computer rankings, presented by the Army National Guard

2. Shadow Mountain (Phoenix)
2015-16 record: 27-5
Head coach: Mike Bibby

The Matadors were the beneficiary of the return of Marcus Shaver, who played in Texas last year after playing for St. Mary's as a sophomore. He has to sit out the first half of the season, but once he returns to the court along with sophomores Jovan Blacksher and Jaelen House and Shadow Mountain should be at the top of the 4A Conference hierarchy.

See the MaxPreps Arizona boys basketball stat leaders

3. Desert Vista (Phoenix)
2015-16 record: 16-10
Head coach: Gino Crump One of the more surprising coaching changes took place at Desert Vista after Tony Darden took the Thunder to the championship game in his first year two seasons ago. Crump comes to the program from Casa Grande, and his team is manned with some talent in Caleb Simmons, Duane Miller and Noah Baumann, as the Thunder just might be the second-best squad in 6A.

See the MaxPreps Arizona boys basketball photos

4. Apollo (Glendale)
2015-16 record: 25-4
Head coach: Jacob Marin

Last year's postseason early exit should provide some motivation for a group that returns most of its offense from last year's 25-win team. Holland Woods, Dre Marin and Jeff Perez are all back after combining for more than 50 points a game a year ago. The trio should keep the Hawks stay in contention for the 5A title all year long.

See the MaxPreps Arizona boys basketball playoff brackets

5. Brophy College Prep (Phoenix)
2015-16 record: 13-14
Head coach: Matt Hooten

Last year's losing season, the first for the program since 2006-07, should be a thing of the past as a strong senior class led by guard Carlos Saucedo and post Matthew Kempton come along. Solid contributions are expected to come from Sean Even and Ryan Meza.

Jason P. Skoda, a former Arizona Republic sports writer and current Prep Sports Director for Times Publications, is a 20-year sports writing veteran. Contact him at jskoda1024@aol.com.